The Cape Winelands area is known for its unsurpassed natural beauty with its mountains, massive vineyards and historic wine estates. The Western Cape is the wine capital of South Africa and is found less than an hour away from Cape Town. Anyone from serious wine buffs to absolute novices will enjoy visiting wine estates, eating at top restaurants and experiencing the culture, history and scenic beauty.
In 1971 the first wine route in South Africa was established, consisting of an organized network of wineries surrounding the old, historic town of Stellenbosch. Today the Stellenbosch Wine Route has five sub-routes and represents many wine producers. The town of Stellenbosch with its streets lined with oak trees and historic buildings is a good place from which to start exploring these routes.
Estates on the various routes offer cellar tours and daily wine tastings. There are those, like Fairview estate on the Paarl route, that offer cheese as well as wine tastings. Fees charged for wine tasting differ from estate to estate and many offer a discount on the tasting if wines are purchased. Customized tours and tutored tastings are available but need to be booked in advance.
Many wine estates have fine restaurants, offering both international and more traditional cuisine. One can sit inside or outside at many of these restaurants, enjoying the scenery and indulging in a delicious, long luncheon. It is hard to resist buying other products for sale such as olives, olive oils, herbs, berries and baked goods.
The traditional French town of Franschhoek lies in a valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains. This makes it a good springboard to many wine estates. There are a number of top quality establishments offering accommodation in the area. It is also notable for its restaurants and its main street is lined with both restaurants and coffee shops.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
The wine estates arrange events throughout the year and regional wine festivals are also held. Horse-and-carriage rides through vineyards, shows at amphitheaters, picnics and musical evenings are just some activities that can be enjoyed. There is also plenty to do for the active types with walking, hiking and biking trails abounding. Golfers have the opportunity of playing at world-class golf courses.
As the Cape Winelands is an extensive area offering many different experiences, it is important to explore all the options available before making any bookings. It is possible to hire a car or to use a professional tour operator. Alternatively some of the wine routes use shuttle services or hop-on-hop off buses. Whatever means you choose to explore, this stunningly beautiful area is a must see.
In 1971 the first wine route in South Africa was established, consisting of an organized network of wineries surrounding the old, historic town of Stellenbosch. Today the Stellenbosch Wine Route has five sub-routes and represents many wine producers. The town of Stellenbosch with its streets lined with oak trees and historic buildings is a good place from which to start exploring these routes.
Estates on the various routes offer cellar tours and daily wine tastings. There are those, like Fairview estate on the Paarl route, that offer cheese as well as wine tastings. Fees charged for wine tasting differ from estate to estate and many offer a discount on the tasting if wines are purchased. Customized tours and tutored tastings are available but need to be booked in advance.
Many wine estates have fine restaurants, offering both international and more traditional cuisine. One can sit inside or outside at many of these restaurants, enjoying the scenery and indulging in a delicious, long luncheon. It is hard to resist buying other products for sale such as olives, olive oils, herbs, berries and baked goods.
The traditional French town of Franschhoek lies in a valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains. This makes it a good springboard to many wine estates. There are a number of top quality establishments offering accommodation in the area. It is also notable for its restaurants and its main street is lined with both restaurants and coffee shops.
Tourists wanting to experience history or culture have plenty of opportunity to do so. Stroll along the oak lined Main Road of Paarl and see the old Thatched Roof Church - one of the oldest and most historic churches in the country. Visit museums, art galleries and craft shops scattered throughout the area and appreciate the unique architecture.
The wine estates arrange events throughout the year and regional wine festivals are also held. Horse-and-carriage rides through vineyards, shows at amphitheaters, picnics and musical evenings are just some activities that can be enjoyed. There is also plenty to do for the active types with walking, hiking and biking trails abounding. Golfers have the opportunity of playing at world-class golf courses.
As the Cape Winelands is an extensive area offering many different experiences, it is important to explore all the options available before making any bookings. It is possible to hire a car or to use a professional tour operator. Alternatively some of the wine routes use shuttle services or hop-on-hop off buses. Whatever means you choose to explore, this stunningly beautiful area is a must see.
About the Author:
If you want to find interesting Cape winelands adventures, pay a visit to our web pages online today. You can see details about Cape tours here at http://www.capetours.co.uk now.
0 comments:
Post a Comment